Appendix 17. FISA Para-Rowing Classification Regulations

Appendix 17 FISA Para-Rowing Classification Regulations The FISA Para-Rowing Classification Regulations are an integral part of the FISA Rules of Racing, related Bye-Laws and Event Regulations, available at www.worldrowing.com. 1. Introduction to Classification 1.1 Classification : An Overview 1.1.1 In accordance with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Classification Code, the term classification, as used in these Rules, refers to the process by which Athletes are assessed by reference to the impact of impairment on their ability to compete in the Sport of Para-Rowing. The purpose of Classification is to provide a structure for competition. Classification is undertaken to ensure that an Athlete s Impairment is relevant to sport performance and to ensure that the Athlete competes equitably with other Athletes. Classification determines the eligibility to compete and groups Athletes for Competition. 1.1.2 The allocation to an Athlete of a Sport Class is determined by a physical and technical assessment of the Athlete, and, if required, Observation in Training and/or Competition. These processes are explained in these Classification Regulations. 1.1.3 A Sport Class will be allocated to an Athlete who has an impairment that is the direct result of a health condition which has resulted in a permanent and verifiable activity limitation. 1.1.4 Following is a list of eligible impairments accepted by FISA Para-Rowing: visual impairment, strength impairment, decreased range of motion, limb deficiency, hypertonia, ataxia, and athetosis. 1.1.5 A Sport Class will be allocated to an Athlete if an Athlete meets the minimum disability to compete as an adaptive rower. Refer to Appendix 1 for the Minimum Disability requirements for Para-Rowing. 1.2 IPC Classification Code 1.2.1 Para-Rowing has implemented these Classification Regulations having regard to the IPC Classification Code (the IPC Code). In the event that these Classification Regulations fail to provide for a matter in respect of which there is provision in the IPC Code, the provisions appearing in the IPC Code shall apply and be regarded as being part of these Regulations. 2. Classifiers 2.1 Classification Personnel 2.1.1 The IPC Classification Code and FISA Para-Rowing recognize Classifiers as FISA Rowing officials. 2.1.2 The following personnel have a key role in the administration, organization and execution of classification, and are appointed by the FISA Executive Committee in consultation with the FISA Para-Rowing Commission: Head of Classification The Head of Classification is the person responsible for the direction, administration, coordination, and implementation of classification matters for FISA. Classifier A Classifier is a person appointed and certified by FISA as being competent to evaluate Athletes (as part of a Classification Panel) at the occasion of FISA Recognized Competition. Chief Classifier A Chief Classifier is a Classifier appointed for a specific FISA Recognized Competition, responsible for the direction, administration, co-ordination and implementation of classification matters at that Competition. The duties of the Chief 1

Classifier may include, but are not limited to, liaising with the organizing committees and teams before a Competition to identify and notify Athletes who require Athlete Evaluation; liaising with organizing committees and FISA before a Competition to ensure travel, accommodations, and working logistics are provided for Classifiers; supervising Classifiers to ensure that Classification Regulations are applied appropriately during a specific Competition; and supervising Classifiers and trainee Classifiers in their duties as members of Classification Panels. 2.1.3 FISA Classifiers must be qualified in one or more of the following disciplines: Medical Classifier: A qualified medical doctor, doctor of osteopathic medicine, or physiotherapist. Technical Classifier: A person with extensive practical knowledge of rowing, such as a rowing coach, sport scientist, former rower, or similarly qualified person. 2.2 Classifiers Levels and Duties FISA categorizes its Classifiers (all of whom must comply with the IPC and FISA Classifier Code of Conduct at all times) as follows: 2.2.1 Trainee An individual who is in the process of formal training by FISA, but has not met the requirements as a FISA Level One International Classifier. A Trainee Classifier shall not serve on an International Classification Panel but may continue to practice their skills at a national level. They may only issue a sport class status of New. 2.2.2 Level 1 International Classifier - An individual who has successfully completed a FISA Advanced International Classification Workshop, has demonstrated their ability to classify rowers, has shown competence in performing all of the classification tasks and has met the requirements of the FISA Para-Rowing Commission to be appointed as a FISA International Classifier. A FISA International Classifier may be appointed to serve on a FISA Classification Panel at a FISA Recognized Competition and is qualified to determine the Sport Class and Sport Class Status of a rower wishing to compete at a FISA or IPC event. A FISA Level One Classifier may also serve on a Classification Protest Panel. A FISA Level One Classifier may also assist the Para- Rowing Commission (at regattas) with monitoring compliance with the rules and regulations regarding equipment including but not limited to, straps, goggles, and pontoons. 2.2.3 Level 2 International Classifier An individual appointed as such by the FISA Executive Committee, in consultation with the Head of Classification, who has completed the requirements necessary to serve on a FISA International Classification Panel and who has a high level of experience and has demonstrated adept judgment on classifications as an International Classifier and when relevant, arbiter of protests. A Level Two International Classifier may be appointed to act as Chief Classifier at an international regatta and may conduct International Classification Workshops to identify, train, and evaluate candidates to serve as International Classifiers in cooperation with the FISA Para-Rowing Commission. A FISA Level Two Classifier may also serve on a Classification Protest Panel. A FISA Level Two Classifier may also assist the Para-Rowing Commission (at regattas) with monitoring compliance with the rules and regulations regarding equipment including but not limited to, straps, goggles, and pontoons. 3. Classification Panels and Classification 3.1 Classification Panels 3.1.1 A Classification Panel is comprised of two Classifiers empowered by the Rules of the Sport of Para-Rowing to evaluate Athletes and allocate Sport Classes. 2

3.1.2 The Head of Classification and FISA Para-Rowing Commission shall appoint Classification Panels for a particular Competition (including FISA recognized international competitions). 3.1.3 A Classification Panel for rowers without visual impairments must include a suitably accredited and qualified Medical Classifier and Technical Classifier. For rowers with visual impairments, a Classification Panel must include 2 suitably accredited VI Classifiers who have been trained and certified through the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA). 3.1.4 Members of a Classification Panel shall not have any other official responsibilities within a Competition other than in connection with Classification and the Para- Rowing Commission. 3.1.5 Members of Classification Panels shall have no significant relationship with any Athlete (or any member of Athlete Support Personnel) that might create any real or apparent Conflict of Interest. 3.1.6 Members of a Classification Panel must disclose any relationship with a team, Athlete or Athlete Support Personnel that would otherwise constitute a Conflict of Interest. 3.2 National Classification 3.2.1 All Athletes who wish to participate in FISA Competitions should, where possible, be first classified in their country. National level classification may comprise panels with Trainee Classifiers or a combination of Trainee and International Classifiers in accordance with these Regulations. 3.3 International Classification 3.3.1 International Classification refers to the process of Athlete Evaluation (as explained in these Classification Regulations) that is undertaken at, or before, a FISA Recognized Competition. 3.3.2 An Athlete must be allocated a Sport Class by an International Classification Panel prior to being eligible to compete in a FISA Recognized Competition, except in an exceptional circumstance (refer 3.3.5 below). 3.3.3 International Classification must be conducted by an International Classification Panel. An International Classification Panel shall normally be comprised of one Medical Classifier and one Technical Classifier, both of whom have been duly certified by FISA. 3.3.4 For rowers with visual impairments, a Classification Panel must include two suitably accredited VI Classifiers who have been trained and certified through the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA). 3.3.5 If the circumstances of a Competition so require, the Head of Classification (or Chief Classifier) may designate that a Classification Panel may consist of one qualified International Classifier in special cases, in particular where the number of available Classifiers is reduced prior to or at a Competition through unforeseen circumstances. In such instances Review status shall be issued. In this case the athlete will be classified at or prior to the next competition he or she wishes to enter. 3.3.6 An International Classification Panel may seek additional medical, sport, or scientific expertise if it considers that this would assist it in completing the process of Athlete Evaluation. 3.4 Preparing Classification Panels for Competition 3

3.4.1 The Head of Classification should, where possible, appoint a Chief Classifier at least three months prior to a Competition. Classification Panels shall, where possible, be appointed two months before a Competition. 3.4.2 The Head of Classification may act as the Chief Classifier at a Competition. The Head of Classification and the Chief Classifier shall identify which Athletes will require Athlete Evaluation at a Competition. 3.4.3 The Chief Classifier shall provide the Local Organizing Committee for the Competition with an Athlete Evaluation schedule prior to the Competition, and to the National Federations and/or teams on or before their arrival at the Competition. 3.4.4 In respect of Competitions where physical and/or visual impaired Athletes are to compete, the Chief Classifier must ensure that Classification Panels are certified to conduct Athlete Evaluation in respect of physical and/or visual impaired Athletes. 4. Classification: Athlete Evaluation 4.1 Athlete Evaluation 4.1.1 Athlete Evaluation is the process by which an Athlete is assessed by a Classification Panel in order that the Athlete may be allocated a Sport Class and a Sport Class Status. 4.1.2 Athlete Evaluation and its associated processes shall be conducted in English. 4.1.3 The Athlete and the relevant National Federation are jointly responsible for ensuring that the Athlete attends Athlete Evaluation. 4.1.4 The Athlete must agree to and accept the terms of the FISA Para-Rowing Consent Form prior to participating in Athlete Evaluation. 4.1.5 Athletes must attend Athlete Evaluation in the attire and with all necessary sports equipment, including cushions, straps, and any additional equipment that each particular rower uses specific to them. Athlete must provide a recognized form of identification, such as a passport, ID card, or Competition Accreditation. 4.1.6 If an Athlete has a health condition that causes pain, which limits or prohibits full effort, the Classification Panel may decide that Athlete Evaluation will not take place. The Classification Panel may, in its sole discretion, agree to Athlete Evaluation taking place at a later time and date in such circumstances. However, ultimately if the Athlete does not have a Sports Class and a Sports Class Status then they will not be Eligible to Compete at the Competition. 4.1.7 The Athlete must disclose details of any medication routinely used by the Athlete prior to Athlete Evaluation. The Classification Panel may in its sole discretion decline to proceed with Athlete Evaluation if it considers that the use of such medication will affect its ability to conduct Physical and Medical Assessment. The Classification Panel may agree to Athlete Evaluation taking place at a later time and date in such circumstances. 4.1.8 An Athlete shall attend Athlete Evaluation with all relevant medical documentation. The purpose of this documentation is to permit the Classification Panel to verify that an Athlete s impairments are the direct result of a health condition which has resulted in a permanent and verifiable activity limitation. Medical documentation includes but is not limited to medical history or results from any relevant investigations (MRI, CT scan, EMG, EEG, nerve conduction, visual tests), Athlete s date of birth, and date 4

of injury. 4.1.9 The documentation must be in English, and be dated, signed by an appropriate medical authority and provide contact details for the signing medical authorities (e.g. on letterhead). 4.1.10 Where the medical documentation is not written in English, an official translation shall be provided. Any translation must be accompanied by an official certification that it is a true and correct translation. 4.1.11 If the Classification Panel deems that such documentation is necessary and it is not available, the Athlete Evaluation may be deferred until the documentation is available and a Sport Class will not be assigned. If the documentation does not provide evidence beyond reasonable doubt that the impairments result from a permanent and verifiable health condition, the Athlete will be issued a Sport Class of Not Eligible. 4.1.12 One person may accompany Athletes during Athlete Evaluation. This person should be familiar with the Athlete s Impairment and sporting ability. An interpreter may also accompany the Athlete if the Athlete s primary language is not English. The accompanying people may not influence the Athlete Evaluation in any way. 4.1.13 Video footage and/or photography may be utilized by the Classification Panel for all classification purposes connected to the Competition. 4.2 Athlete Evaluation Process The Athlete Evaluation process shall encompass one or more of the following: 4.2.1 Physical Assessment The Classification Panel shall conduct a physical assessment of the Athlete in accordance with the Sport Profiles for the Sport Classes within FISA Para-Rowing, so as to establish that the Athlete exhibits a permanent Impairment that qualifies the Athlete for participation in the Sport. 4.2.2 Technical Assessment The Classification Panel shall conduct a technical assessment of the Athlete which may include, but is not limited to, an assessment of the Athlete s ability to perform, in a non-competitive environment, the specific tasks and activities that are part of rowing. Technical assessment is primarily performed on an Ergometer, but may also be performed on water when deemed necessary. 4.2.3 Specified Means of Physical and Technical Assessment These Regulations may specify certain means of conducting Physical and Technical Assessment. These means are explained in the FISA Classifiers Manual and may be amended and/or updated from time to time by the FISA Para-Rowing Commission. 4.2.4 Observation Assessment 4.2.4.1 The Classification Panel may conduct an Observation Assessment, which shall involve observing an Athlete performing the specific skills that are part of the Sport. 4.2.4.2 Observation Assessment shall only take place if a Classification Panel can not complete the Athlete Evaluation without observing the Athlete in Competition or on Water (for example, in situations where the Athlete is borderline as between Sport Classes). 5. Sport Class and Sport Class Status 5.1 Sport Class 5.1.1 A sport class in rowing allows the grouping of athletes according to the way in which each athlete's impairment limits his/her functional ability for rowing. Through 5

the rowing classification process, it is determined which athletes are eligible to compete in rowing and how they are grouped together for competition. 5.1.2 These Regulations provide for a range of Sport Classes, as explained in the Appendices to these Regulations. The means by which a Sport Class is allocated is explained in the FISA Para-Rowing Classifiers Manual, which may be amended and/or updated from time to time by the FISA Adaptive Commission with approval from FISA Council. A Sport Class will be allocated to an Athlete following completion of the Athlete Evaluation. Refer to Appendix 1 for specific information on Sport Classes. 5.2 Sport Class Status 5.2.1 A Sport Class Status will be allocated to an Athlete following allocation of a Sport Class. 5.2.2 The following designations shall be used to indicate Sport Class Status 5.2.2.1 Sport Class Status New (N): Sport Class Status New (N) is assigned to an Athlete who: Has not been evaluated by a FISA International Classification Panel, but who has been classified by two Trainee Classifiers (one Medical and one Technical), or one Trainee and one International Classifier, within their own federation or region. N Status Athletes must complete an Athlete Evaluation prior to competing at an International or FISA Recognized Event. 5.2.2.2 Sport Class Status Review (R) Sport Class Status Review (R) is assigned to an Athlete who: Has been previously evaluated by a FISA International Classification Panel but is subject to re-evaluation. The Athlete must attend Athlete Evaluation and the Sport Class may be changed before or during an event. R Status Athletes include, but are not limited, to Athletes who have fluctuating and/or progressive Impairments, or, because of their age or date of injury, have impairments that may not have stabilized. Has been evaluated by a FISA International Classification Panel with at least one of the Classifiers from the classifiers own country. If a FISA International Classification Panel assigns an Athlete with a Sport Class with a Sport Class Status Review, it shall set a date that shall be referred to as the Review Date. Prior to the Review Date, the Athlete: Shall not be required to attend Athlete Evaluation; Shall retain the Sport Class assigned to that Athlete, with Sport Class Status Review, and be permitted to compete accordingly; May, at the Athlete s request, attend Athlete Evaluation. A Review Date may only be set by a FISA International Classification Panel. 5.2.2.3 Sport Class Status Confirmed (C) Sport Class Status Confirmed (C) is assigned to an Athlete who: Has been evaluated by a FISA International Classification Panel and the International Classification Panel have determined that the Athlete s Sport Class will not change. An Athlete with a Confirmed Sport Class will not have that Sport Class altered before or during Competition, and will not be required to complete Athlete Evaluation at Events recognized by FISA. An Athlete with a C Sport Class must, however, undergo Athlete Evaluation if a Protest is made under Exceptional Circumstances (Refer 7.4 below); Has been previously evaluated by a FISA International Classification Panel and allocated Sport Class Not Eligible (Refer 5.2 below), and wishes to undertake Athlete Evaluation. Such request needs to be accompanied by an 6

application for Medical Review with clearly documented change of medical condition since the previous assessment. 5.2.3 Restrictions on Allocating Confirmed Status An Athlete cannot be assigned Sport Class Status Confirmed if the Classification Panel that designated the relevant Sport Class consisted of one Classifier only. 5.2.4 Athlete Application to Change Sport Class ( Medical Review ) This Section applies to an Athlete with: Sport Class Status Confirmed, or Sport Class Status Review with a Review Date set; who wishes to use the Medical Review process to have his or her Sport Class Status reviewed. An Athlete to whom this Section applies believes that, as a result of a medical intervention (for example, surgery or other treatment), or there is a progression of his or her disability, that his or her Impairment and Activity Limitations are no longer consistent with the Sport Profile for that Athlete s Sport Class, may request that the Head of Classification designate that either: The Athlete s Sport Class Status shall be amended to Review Status, or; The Athlete s Review Date is amended. Any such request must be made in accordance with the Medical Review process guidelines as determined by FISA. 5.3 Sport Class: Ineligible to Compete 5.3.1 If an Athlete does not meet the requirements to be assigned a Sport Class for Para- Rowing, the Athlete will be considered ineligible to compete and assigned a Sport Class of Not Eligible. 5.3.2 If a FISA International Classification Panel allocates an Athlete a Sport Class of Not Eligible at an Event, the Athlete shall undergo Athlete Evaluation by a second Classification Panel either at that Event or as soon as practical thereafter. If the second Classification Panel confirms that the Athlete s Sport Class is NE, the Athlete will not be permitted to compete at that Competition, and will have no further right to Protest. 5.3.3 An Athlete who has been assigned a Sport Class of NE may only undertake further Athlete Evaluation with the express permission of the Head of Classification. This permission may be granted if: 5.3.3.1 The Head of Classification is provided with information which demonstrates that there has been a significant change in the Athlete s circumstances (for example, medical factors) since the Athlete s most recent evaluation; and/or 5.3.3.2 Sport Class allocation criteria have changed since the Athlete s most recent evaluation, and the Head of Classification believes that, in the interests of fairness, the Athlete should be permitted an opportunity to undertake Athlete Evaluation; and/or 5.3.3.3 The Head of Classification is provided with any other information that demonstrates that, in the interests of fairness, the Athlete should be permitted an opportunity to undertake Athlete Evaluation. 5.3.4 For the avoidance of doubt, the restrictions placed on an Athlete detailed above shall apply with the Sport of Para-Rowing only. 5.4 Allocation of Sport Class to Athletes 5.4.1 Following completion of the Physical and Technical Assessment the Athlete will be allocated a Sport Class and Sport Class Status. 5.4.2 An Athlete will be permitted to compete at an International Event following the allocation of a Sport Class and Sport Class Status of either Review or Confirmed. 5.4.3 The Sport Class and Sport Class Status allocated to the Athlete following completion of the Athlete Evaluation will be notified to the National team representative for the Athlete and a copy of the classification documentation will be provided before the end 7

of competition. The Classification Master List will also be updated on www.worldrowing.com as soon as possible following the event. 6. Failure to Comply with Classification Requirements 6.1 Athlete Failure to attend Evaluation 6.1.1 If an Athlete fails to attend Athlete Evaluation, the Athlete will not be allocated a Sport Class or Sport Class Status, and will not be permitted to compete at that Event. 6.1.2 Should the Chief Classifier be satisfied that a reasonable explanation exists for the failure to attend Athlete Evaluation; an Athlete may be given a second and final chance to attend the evaluation. 6.1.3 Failure to attend Athlete Evaluation includes not attending the evaluation at the specified time or place; or not attending the evaluation with the appropriate equipment/clothing and/or documentation; or not attending evaluation accompanied by the required Athlete Support Personnel. 6.2 Non-Cooperation during Evaluation 6.2.1 An Athlete who, in the opinion of the Classification Panel, is unable or unwilling to participate in an Athlete Evaluation shall be considered non co-operative during evaluation. 6.2.2 If the Athlete fails to cooperate during the Athlete Evaluation, the Athlete will not be allocated a Sport Class or Sport Class Status, and will not be permitted to compete at the Event. 6.2.3 Should the Chief Classifier be satisfied that a reasonable explanation exists for the failure to cooperate during the evaluation, then the Athlete may be given a second and final opportunity to attend and cooperate. 6.2.4 Any Athlete found to have been non cooperative during an evaluation shall not be permitted to undergo any further Athlete Evaluation for a minimum of twelve (12) months starting from the date upon which the Athlete failed to cooperate. 6.3 Intentional Misrepresentation 6.3.1 An Athlete, who, in the opinion of the Classification Panel, is intentionally misrepresenting skill and/or abilities will not be allocated a Sport Class or Sport Class Status, and will not be permitted to compete at that Event. In addition: The Athlete will not be allowed to undergo any further evaluation for a minimum of two (2) years from the date upon which the Athlete intentionally misrepresented skills and/or abilities; The Head of Classification will remove the Sport Class and Sport Class Status allocated to the Athlete from the FISA Para-Rowing master list and the FISA web list; The National Federation will be informed of the decision by the Chief Classifier at the event, and will also be informed in writing by the Head of Classification within 4 weeks of the event. 6.3.2 An Athlete who, on a second and separate occasion, intentionally misrepresents skills and/or abilities will receive a lifetime ban from FISA events. Intentional Misrepresentation After Evaluation 6.3.3 This Clause applies to an Athlete who: Has been designated with a Review or Confirmed Sport Class, and After the designation of the Review or Confirmed Sport Class, is subject to any form of medical intervention (such as surgery, a pharmacological intervention, or other corrective treatment). 6.3.4 If such an Athlete knows (or should know) that the effect of the medical intervention is that his or her Impairment and Activity Limitations are no longer consistent with the Sport Profile for the Athlete s Sport Class, that Athlete must provide details of the 8

medical intervention to the Head of Classification, in accordance with the Medical Review Process as determined by FISA. 6.3.5 If the Athlete fails to provide details of the medical intervention to the Head of Classification, the Athlete will be deemed to have intentionally misrepresented his/her skill and/or abilities if: The Athlete s Sport Class is subsequently changed as a result (in total or in part) of the medical intervention, and The International Classification Panel responsible for changing the Athlete s Sport Class believes that the Athlete either knew, or should have known, that the effect of the medical intervention was that his or her Impairment and Activity Limitation no longer match the Sport Profile for the Athlete s Sport Class. 6.3.6 In such circumstances, at a minimum, the Athlete will not be allocated a Sport Class or Sport Class Status, and will not be permitted to compete at that Event. 6.4 Failure to Attend/Misrepresentation and Consequences for Athlete Support Personnel 6.4.1 FISA shall enforce sanctions on Athlete Support Personnel who assist or encourage an Athlete to fail to attend Athlete evaluation; to fail to cooperate; intentionally misrepresent skills and/or abilities or disrupt the evaluation process in any other way 6.4.2 Those who are involved in advising Athletes to intentionally misrepresent skills and/or abilities will be subject to sanctions, which are at least as severe as the sanctions given to the Athlete. 6.4.3 These sanctions shall apply to Athlete Support Personnel who assist or encourage an Athlete to fail to provide information relating to medical intervention, in accordance with the Medical Review Process. 6.4.4 In this circumstance, reporting the Athlete Support Personnel to the appropriate parties is an important step in deterring intentional misrepresentation by the Athlete. 6.5 Publication of Penalties FISA will disclose on its website details of penalties imposed upon Athletes and Athlete Support Personnel found in breach of these Regulations and Bye-Laws. 7. Protests and Appeals 7.1 Protests 7.1.1 The term Protest refers to the procedure by which a formal objection to an Athlete s Sport Class is made and subsequently resolved. 7.1.2 A successful Protest will result in Athlete Evaluation being conducted by a Classification Panel, which will be referred to as a Protest Panel. 7.1.3 FISA may only resolve a Protest in respect of a Sport Class allocated by FISA. A Protest received regarding a rower with a visual impairment will be referred to the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) to resolve. 7.1.4 Protests shall be resolved in a manner that minimizes the impact on Competition participation, Competition schedules and results. 7.2 Who May Submit a Protest 7.2.1 Any National Federation or the Chief Classifier following completion of Athlete Evaluation and allocation of Sport Class may protest their own athletes. Following the resolution of the Protest, the Athlete s Sport Class may change, and shall be designated: Confirmed (C) Status; or Review (R) Status; or Not Eligible to Compete (NE) 7.3 Protest Procedures during Competitions 9

7.3.1 Protests may be submitted by a National Federation representative authorized to submit Protests (for example, the Chef de Mission or Team Manager) and/or the Chief Classifier. 7.3.2 The Chief Classifier shall be the person authorized to receive Protests on behalf of FISA regarding classification issues. 7.3.3 An Athlete s Sport Class may be protested by the Athlete s National Federation within two (2) hours of the Classification Panel s decision regarding the Sport Class being published. 7.3.4 Protests must be submitted in English on a designated Protest form that is available on the FISA website. The information and documentation to be submitted with the Protest form must include the following: The name, and national federation of the Athlete whose Sport Class is being protested; Details of the decision being protested; The reason for the Protest, including why you feel the rower was placed in the incorrect sport class; Any documents and other evidence to be offered in support of the Protest; the signature of the National Federation representative or the Chief Classifier, where applicable; and A fee of one hundred (100) Euros (unless there is a Protest by the Chief Classifier). 7.3.5 Upon receipt of the completed Protest form, supporting documents, and fee, the Chief Classifier shall conduct a review to determine if there is a valid reason for a Protest and if all the necessary information is included. If it appears to the Chief Classifier that if there is no valid reason for a Protest, or the Protest form has been submitted without all necessary information, the Chief Classifier shall decline the protest and notify all relevant parties. FISA will retain the Protest fee. 7.3.6 If the Protest is declined, the Chief Classifier shall provide a verbal explanation to the National Federation as soon as is possible, and a written explanation as soon as is practical. 7.3.7 If the Protest is accepted, the Chief Classifier shall appoint a Protest Panel to conduct the Athlete Evaluation. 7.3.8 The Members of the Protest Panel should have had no direct involvement in the evaluation that led to the most recent allocation of the Athlete s sport Class, unless the most recent evaluation took place more than eighteen (18) months prior to the Protest being submitted. 7.3.9 The Chief Classifier will notify all relevant parties of the time and date for the Athlete Evaluation that will be conducted by the Protest Panel. 7.3.10 All documentation submitted with the Protest form shall be provided to the Protest Panel. 7.3.11 The Protest Panel may seek additional medical, sport, or scientific expertise in reviewing an Athlete s Sport Class (including from the initial Classification Panel whose decision is the subject of the Protest). 7.3.12 Athlete Evaluation following a Protest shall follow the same process as described in these Regulations. All relevant parties shall be notified of the Protest decision as quickly as possible following Athlete Evaluation. FISA will retain the Protest fee unless the Protest is upheld. 7.3.13 The decision of the Protest Panel is final and is not subject to any further Protest. 7.4 Protests in Exceptional Circumstances 7.4.1 A Chief Classifier may make a Protest in Exceptional Circumstances in respect of any Athlete at any time during or prior to a Competition. Exceptional circumstances may result from: A change in the degree of Impairment of an Athlete; 10

An Athlete demonstrating significantly less or greater ability prior to or during Competition which does not reflect the Athlete s current Sport Class; An error made by a Classification Panel which has led to the Athlete being allocated a Sport Class which is not in keeping with the Athlete s ability. 7.4.2 The procedure for the making of a Protest in Exceptional Circumstances shall be as follows: The Chief Classifier shall advise the Athlete and relevant National Federation and/or National Paralympic Committee that a Protest is being made in Exceptional Circumstances; The processes and procedures referred to in Regulation 7.3 above (where relevant) will apply to Protests made in Exceptional Circumstances. 7.5 Responsibility for Ensuring Compliance with Protest Rules 7.5.1 A National Federation making a Protest is solely responsible for ensuring that all Protest process requirements are observed. 7.6 Appeals 7.6.1 The term: appeal refers to a procedure by which a formal objection to the manner in which classification procedures have been conducted is submitted and subsequently resolved. 7.6.2 Appeals must be submitted in written form to the FISA Executive Committee on the same day as the decision being appealed. A decision will be given before the next round of the event being appealed. 7.6.3 The decisions of the Executive Committee under this rule are final. 8. Ad Hoc Rules for Paralympic Games and Major Events These Classification Regulations may be amended, supplemented, or superseded by the Classification Guide for a Paralympic Games. The Classification Guide for a Paralympic Games shall detail the timeframes within which the Classification Guide will take precedence over these Regulations. Appendix One to FISA Classification Regulations and Bye-laws Qualifying Disabilities: Only an athlete having impairment with a minimum disability that leads to a permanent and verifiable activity limitation shall be eligible to compete in Para-Rowing. Sport Classes and Eligibility Requirements for each Sport Class A. LTA (Includes LTA-PD, LTA-B1, LTA-B2, LTA-B3) Rowers with a verifiable and permanent disability who have functional use of their legs, trunk and arms for rowing, and who can utilise the sliding seat to propel the boat will be assigned to the LTA class after being evaluated by a FISA Classification Panel. Eligible LTA rowers may typically have a minimum disability equivalent to one of the following: Amputee. Neurological Impairment equivalent to incomplete lesion at S1. Cerebral Palsy Class 8 (CPISRA). Visual Impairment: 10% of vision in best eye with best correction (from visual acuity above 2/60 up to visual acuity of 6/60 and/or a visual field of more than 5% and less than 20%) LTA class rowers must meet minimum disability requirements in at least one of the following disability groups: (1) LTA-PD Physical Disability The minimum physical disability is a full loss of three fingers on one hand, OR at least a tarsal metatarsal amputation of the foot, OR the loss of ten points on one limb or fifteen points across two limbs when assessed using the Functional Classification Test as set out in the Classification Application Form for Physical Disabilities. **For the LTAMix2x boat class, rowers must have a 11

minimum disability of a loss of at least 20 points in one limb when assessed using the Functional Classification Test as set out in the Classification Application Form for Physical Disabilities. (2) LTA-B1, LTA-B2, LTA-B3 Visual impairment Prior to any FISA event at which they wish to compete, a rower with visual impairment must have been classified by an ophthalmologist or the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) in one of the B3 (LTA-B3), B2 (LTA-B2) or B1 (LTA-B1) classes. Refer to http://www.ibsa.es. The FISA forms must be completed with supporting documentation and submitted to FISA by the closing date for entries for the event at which the rower wishes to compete (refer to the Vision Qualification Form). Prior to competing at the World Rowing Championships, any Paralympic Qualification Regatta, or the Paralympic Games, all Visually Impaired rowers must undergo a classification by a VI Classification Panel. This may occur prior to or at the event during the classification evaluation period. B. TA Rowers who have functional use of the trunk and who are not able to use the sliding seat to propel the boat because of significantly weakened function or mobility of the lower limbs will be assigned to the TA class after being evaluated by a FISA Classification Panel. Eligible TA rowers may typically have a minimum disability equivalent to at least one of the following: Bilateral around knee amputation, or significantly impaired quadriceps, or Neurological impairment equivalent to a complete lesion at L3 level, or an incomplete lesion at L1, or Combination of the above such as one leg with around knee amputation and one leg with significant quadriceps impairment; or Classification by the international sports federation for rowers with cerebral palsy (CPISRA) as eligible to be in CP Class 5. C. AS Rowers who have minimal or no trunk function (i.e. shoulder function only) will be assigned to the AS class after being evaluated by a FISA Classification Panel. An AS class rower is able to apply force predominantly using the arms and/or shoulders. These athletes will likely also have poor sitting balance. Eligible rowers may typically have a minimum disability equivalent to at least one of the following: Cerebral Palsy Class 4 (CP-ISRA); or Neurological Impairment with a complete lesion at T12 level, or an incomplete lesion at T10 D. NE (Not Eligible) This sport class is issued to rowers who have undergone the FISA Classification Process and have not met the minimum disability to be eligible to compete as an adaptive rower. Rowing Outside of Assigned Sport Class: Rowers may compete in a more functional sport class than their assigned sport class, but not a less functional sport class. For example, a rower classified as TA may compete in LTA events, but may not compete in AS events. 12